Patricia Matias

A Homecoming With Purpose: Vincent Rodriguez III on Returning to Manila

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<div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1766889381342556590342_18526496020001123_5094227555535624489_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Vincent Rodriguez III</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>For <strong>Vincent Rodriguez III</strong>, returning to Manila late last year was more than a visit; it was a personal and creative homecoming.</p><p>Spending several days in the Philippines, the Filipino-American actor, singer, and teaching artist describes the experience simply but wholeheartedly: “Amazing. Incredible.” Though his career has been largely built in the United States, this trip marks a turning point, one rooted in heritage, purpose, and new beginnings. “I mean, my whole family was born here. I was the one who wasn’t,” he shared. “So this is a homecoming for me.”</p><p>Vincent is clear about why he keeps coming back. “I want to work here,” he said. “I want to act and sing and model and teach and speak.” His visit was filled with meetings and conversations aimed at establishing long-term collaborations in Manila—from acting opportunities to developing original film projects he plans to pitch both locally and in the US.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-22" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSWr1-wDj_5/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A22%2C%22os%22%3A6585019.299999952%2C%22ls%22%3A4399250.5%2C%22le%22%3A4399695.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-22" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>While he has extensive experience on stage, television, film, and voice acting abroad, the Philippines, according to him, offers something new that excites him. “I love thinking like a beginner,” he shared. “Learning Tagalog is one of them. And working in Manila is another new thing I look forward to doing.”</p><div><br/></div><p>That beginner’s mindset is part of what drives Vincent to want to give Filipino performers the tools he once wished for. “I want to give back and give them the tools that I wish someone had given me when I was building myself as an artist,” he said. </p><p>Looking forward, Vincent plans to continue developing films, pitching ideas, teaching, mentoring, and expanding his creative reach without limitation.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-26" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEWGfb_xZcp/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A26%2C%22os%22%3A6719047.899999976%2C%22ls%22%3A4399250.5%2C%22le%22%3A4399695.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-26" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Reflecting on the year that was, Vincent described 2025 as transformative. “A lot of things have come to the surface that were buried,” he mused. “It’s given me some insight as to what is ahead for me, and what is ahead for me is beyond even what I can imagine.” Above all, he is grateful for his chosen family. “What I’m most grateful for this year is the celebration experience with my tribe,” he added.</p><p>As an artist and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Vincent is passionate about representation and progress in the industry. “I love seeing more participation in the space,” he said, recalling his attendance in GLAAD Media Awards, an award-giving body that recognizes and honors various branches of the media for their outstanding portrayals of LGBTQ people and the issues that affect their lives. “You see people fully expressing their colors and their ideas, and when you are around that, it inspires you.”</p><p>He’s encouraged by the rise of diverse voices. “I’m seeing more trans writers, trans actors, more Asian men, more female scriptwriters, bosses, queer leaders,” he said. For Vincent, mentorship is key to sustaining that growth. “That kind of support is really important in the queer community, and I’m seeing more of that now than I ever have.”</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-32" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DH40k2ixcKC/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A32%2C%22os%22%3A6918446.799999952%2C%22ls%22%3A4399250.5%2C%22le%22%3A4399695.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-32" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>As Vincent Rodriguez III continues to build bridges between cultures, industries, and communities, his return to Manila signaled more than a visit— it’s the beginning of a chapter defined by purpose, generosity, and coming home to possibility.</p><div><br/></div><p>Lead photos from <strong>@vrodrigueziii</strong></p>

<p>Vincent Rodriguez III shared why his recent trip to Manila felt like a true homecoming, one rooted in heritage, creative purpose, and a renewed commitment to storytelling, mentorship, and representation.</p>

Vincent Rodriguez III shared why his recent trip to Manila felt like a true homecoming, one rooted in heritage, creative purpose, and a renewed commitment to storytelling, mentorship, and representation.

Vincent Rodriguez III on Purposeful Pursuits and Representation in the Creative Space and Media Landscape

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Vincent Rodriguez III on Purposeful Pursuits and Representation in the Creative Space and Media Landscape

Tricia Matias

Published January 08, 2026 10:00 AM PHT

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Updated January 08, 2026 04:22 PM PHT

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